Corbett Directs State Resources To Help With Blizzard Response

Gov. Tom Corbett announced Monday that following a request for assistance from the state of Connecticut, he quickly directed PennDOT to mobilize crews and equipment to help citizens of that state recover from one of the worst blizzards in recent memory.

“Our neighbors in Connecticut are struggling with closed roads, power outages and dwindling supplies of perishable goods – when the call came in for help, we quickly responded,” Corbett said. “ I’m proud of our employees who will be working long hours and spending time away from their own families to help others in need.”

PennDOT crews from Somerset and Tioga counties left late in the evening on Saturday, Feb. 9, and crews from Montour and Columbia counties left early on Sunday, Feb. 10.

PennDOT has sent three massive snowblowers, three tractor-trailers (to haul the snowblowers), three crew cab trucks, several equipment operators, several foremen and a mechanic. Those crews are working to clear roads in parts of Hartford, Farmington and Meriden, Conn.

The governor also directed the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to mobilize crews and equipment to assist residents in Massachusetts following their request for assistance. That request was later cancelled by Massachusetts when they were able to free up resources from a nearby state.